December 17, 2016

America Needs Christmas

America needs Jesus. At Christmas time, the old American Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, could not be any more appropriate for today. Phillips Brooks penned these words in 1868 following a trip to the Holy Land. After America had fought a terrible civil war, these words were like salve to a tired, war-torn nation in need of healing within and without. May these lyrics, once again, draw our hearts and minds to the very present Christ of Christmas.

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight”

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!